Level Of Understanding Of Road Signs And Markings By Nigerians: A Case Study Of Selected Cities In Nigeria

ABSTRACT 

Understanding road signs and pavement markings is an important aspect of the driving task. Consequently efforts have been made in this direction to optimize the use of traffic signs and markings by motorists but this has yielded little results. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine the level of understanding of traffic signs and markings by motorists. The primary data source was questionnaire administered and returned by motorists and road users. Secondary data sources comprised existing documents and published materials from the federal road safety commission.  Two methods of data analysis were employed in this research. They are; Frequency Distribution or descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The inferential statistics which include one sample population proportion test, Pearson chi-square and fishers exact test were employed for testing the hypotheses. Furthermore we carried out the analysis using statistical analysis software called SPSS, VERSION 15.0. our findings showed that motorists did well in identifying road signs more than pavement markings and so majority of them understand these signs and pavement markings but do not obey. It was also observed that the road signs and markings are inadequate on our roads.It is therefore concluded that the Federal Road Safety Commission should emphasize training to make people understand and obey traffic signs and markings always. Awareness should also be created, to make people know that these signs and markings exist ,to look out for them, understand and obey them at all time. Obeying road signs and markings at all times and in every situation will definitely enhance in reduction of help road traffic accidents in Nigeria.